8 Must-See Trails on Antelope Island State Park

Davis County is home to hundreds of miles of incredible trails, and over 45 of those miles are tucked away on the majestic Antelope Island State Park. With scenic views of both the Great Salt Lake and the rugged island interior, hikers of all skill levels can find their perfect adventure here.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging summit or a peaceful shoreline stroll, there’s a path for everyone. Best of all? Dogs on leashes are welcome to be your hiking companions!

Inclusive Adventuring: Want to explore but have limited mobility? Check out the Possible Pathways Trail Chair, sponsored by Friends of Antelope Island. You can borrow this specialized all-terrain chair from the park’s Visitor Center to ensure the island’s beauty is accessible to all.

From quick overlooks to the island’s highest peak, here are the eight best trails to check out during your visit, ranked from easiest to most challenging.

Ladyfinger Point (The Warm-up)

This is the perfect introductory stroll. At just half a mile, it’s a very short walk that leads you out to a rocky point with a fantastic view of Egg Island and the North Causeway. The terrain is relatively flat but yields high rewards for photographers and birdwatchers. If you are short on time but want to feel the breeze off the lake and see ancient rock formations up close, this is your spot.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 0.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 13 feet
• Time: 0.5 hour
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Quick Tip: Wear appropriate footwear for climbing over rocks.

Buffalo Point (The Crowd Pleaser)

This popular and short little out-and-back trail has a manageable elevation gain which makes it great for the whole family. Located on the northern side of the island, the Buffalo Point trailhead is easy to find and features a generous parking lot and restrooms. Along the route, several benches allow you to sit, rest, and take in the views. When you reach the top, you’ll find plenty of fun rocks and boulders to climb on.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Distance: 1 mile
• Elevation Gain: 239 feet
• Time: 0.5-1 hour
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Quick Tip: This is a great hiking option for seeing island wildlife!

Lakeside Loop (The Scenic Stroll)

Experience the shoreline without a steep climb on the Lakeside Loop. This trail follows the northwestern edge of the island, offering a front-row seat to the turquoise waters and white, salty beaches. It’s a longer trek, but the relatively level path makes it a favorite for trail runners and families looking for a steady, scenic walk. You’ll pass unique geological features and may even spot bison grazing near the water’s edge.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 314 feet
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Quick Tip: Camping? You can begin this loop at the Bridger Bay and White Rock Bay Campgrounds.

White Rock Loop (The Backcountry Hub)

Starting from the White Rock Bay Campground, this 7-mile loop is a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. It offers a wonderful sense of the island’s vastness without the extreme elevation gain of the higher peaks. The White Rock Loop provides great views of the bay, and if you have a little extra energy, you can take the short spur trail to Beacon Knob for a panoramic look at the Davis County shoreline across the water. Keep an eye out for bison here, as they frequent the grassy slopes surrounding the loop.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 7.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 702 feet
• Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Quick Tip: The first section is a gradual climb, followed by a long, flowy descent.

Dooly Knob Loop (The Mid-Tier Favorite)

Think of Dooly Knob as the “little sibling” to Frary Peak. It offers a similar perspective of the island’s dramatic ridges and the sprawling Great Salt Lake with much less effort. The trail climbs steadily to a rocky overlook that feels much higher than it actually is. This is an ideal choice for hikers who want a heart-pumping workout and a stunning summit view without dedicating an entire morning to the climb.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 718 feet
• Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Quick Tip: On this route, you’ll begin by hiking on the Frary Peak Trail.

Sentry Loop (The Explorer’s Path)

Located on the southern end of the island near the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, Sentry Loop offers a mix of history and wildlife. This trail circles the base of Sentry Peak and passes through diverse terrain, from grassy plains to rocky outcroppings. It’s one of the best places on the island to spot pronghorn antelope and mule deer. As a loop, the scenery is constantly changing, providing a true sense of the island’s vastness.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1026 feet
• Time: 3-3.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Quick Tip: Trail is narrow and features large boulders.

Split Rock Loop & Elephant Head (The Remote Trek)

If you are looking to escape the crowds, the Split Rock area is a hidden gem on the island’s western side. This trail takes you deep into the interior, descending into a rugged canyon where you’ll find the massive, perfectly cracked boulder that gives the trail its name. While on this loop, the detour to Elephant Head is a must. This spur trail leads to a dramatic overlook of the rocky coastline and is arguably the most photogenic spot in the park. It offers a peaceful, “wild” atmosphere, and while the 5-mile loop (plus the 1-mile spur) will definitely test your lungs on the climb back out, the solitude and the panoramic views are worth every step.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 11.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1489 feet
• Time: 5 – 5.5 hours
• Trail Type: Loop
• Quick Tip: This trail is completely exposed to the sun. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and head covering.

Frary Peak (The Ultimate Challenge)

Frary Peak is the highest point on Antelope Island and offers spectacular views of the island, the Great Salt Lake, and other geological and marshy features. Although 6,520 feet is a “little guy” by Utah standards, you’ll still be in for a good hike with a 2,325-foot elevation gain and a 7-mile, out-and-back trek. Even when the valley is hazy, the views are stunning and uniquely beautiful in every direction.

Trail Information

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 7.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2326 feet
• Time: 4.5-5 hours
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Quick Tip: This trail is exposed to the sun and can get extremely hot.

 

Know Before You Go: Staying Safe on the Island

Antelope Island is as rugged as it is beautiful. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your adventure stays safe and enjoyable. Keep these three island essentials in mind:

• Respect the Wildlife: Bison are the stars of the park, but they are wild, unpredictable, and surprisingly fast. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards. If an animal stops what it is doing to look at you, or if you are blocking its path, you are too close.
• Sun Exposure: There is virtually no shade on the island’s trail system. The reflection of the sun off the salt and water can intensify the heat even on breezy days. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen liberally.
• The Bug Factor: Depending on the season, the island’s biting gnats and midges can be out in force. Check the park’s current “gnat-level” before you go. You may want to wear long sleeves or a head net if you are visiting during peak bug season (typically spring through early summer).

Ready to Hit the Trails?

Antelope Island offers a sense of solitude you won’t find anywhere else in Utah. We can’t wait to see which trail you choose! Tag us in your photos or drop a comment below to tell us about your favorite island memory. Happy hiking!